A First for Philip

             Paricolor & Philip Armson

On Friday I was delighted that Philip Armson not only rode his first winner for me aboard the legend Paricolor, but rode his first ever double as well.  Philip joined our team from Jonjo O’Neill back in September and has been trying his best to ride a winner since then.  He works hard at home and has ridden well on the chances we have given him on the racecourse without quite managing to get his head in front.  Since joining forces with Paricolor they have become a terrific team, finishing a mighty second at 50/1 at Cheltenham’s November meeting and he was also a close second at Doncaster last time and so I was delighted the pair were able to go one better at Bangor.  Philip gave Paricolor a well-judged front running ride, increasing the pace from three out and keeping on well to score nicely.    

Paricolor was winning his ninth race for us (10^th career win) from 22 starts since we claimed his from France.  He did most of his winning in sellers last year but after a summer break this year he seems to have returned in even better form and won the Bangor race off a mark of 122.  No doubt the handicapper will have his say after this effort but since stepping him up to three miles he has thrived and there could be even more to come.   He is a five year old with a great attitude and will to win and what is particularly nice is that he is a great ride for the younger jockeys in our team.  Last season, he and Fergus Gillard won six races together and he is giving a boost to Philip’s career this season as well.  In fact, Fergus had ridden him to victory on all his previous wins in the country!  We have no immediate plans for him now but he has come out of the race well and we will probably look for a similar race for him between Christmas and New Year.  It was great for his owners, Guy and Jane Cunningham who have had a long association with Pond House.  Philip has now ridden 13 career winners and claims and very useful seven pounds.

On Friday there was also another fabulous run from the ultra-reliable Leoncavallo to finish second at Doncaster.  He also has a big heart and never runs a bad race.  He is therefore in the grip on the handicapper which makes winning difficult but he tries his heart out and is always fighting out a finish.  What more can you ask for really but it would be just so nice if he could get his head in front for a thoroughly deserved win, I hope the handicapper is reading!  Johnny Burke deputised in the saddle last minute for Tom Scu who was nursing a sore wrist from Solwara One in the previous race.  Tom went to hospital for x-rays but thankfully they were clear and he was back in action at Cheltenham on Saturday.  Leoncavallo has come out of his race fine and could be out again this weekend, he has an entry in the 2.05pm handicap hurdle over two miles at Haydock.  He is certainly a horse you love having on your team.  Unfortunately the rest of the runners did not quite work out as expected but they are all okay which is the main thing and we can look forward to better days in the future. 

This week of first action with runners from Pond House will be at Leicester on Wednesday.  Last Quarter in the 2m4f novice’s hurdle.  He ran a well to be second on hurdling debut at Chepstow last time and will enjoy the stiff track and soft conditions at Leicester.  He will want three miles and fences one day but this test ought to suit him and he should run well for Brocade Racing.

On Thursday we will be at two meetings, Exeter and Ffos Las while we have no entries on Friday. On Saturday we have a few entries at Haydock which includes an entry for Remastered in the Tommy Whittle chase.  We have been keeping a close on him since Newbury and he has had regular massages and solarium sessions and I couldn’t be happier with him, all I can say is that I am glad that I don’t have to ride him every day!!  Regular work rider Ashley Farrant says he is in great form - he is full of beans!  Other entries at Haydock include Leoncavallo, Nordic Combined, Dell’arca and Poker Play.  Keep checking back on the Daily Blog for more news on the stable runners.

A little update on Adagio who unfortunately had to miss the International hurdle at Cheltenham at the weekend due to a small setback but he is fine in himself and just tweaked a muscle.  The physio has been working on him and he has improved lots and he shouldn’t be off games for too long but he is not likely to be ready in time for the Christmas hurdle at Kempton. 

I would just like to thank Huntingdon racecourse for a great prize after Brinkley won at their meeting last week.  The trainer received a £250 voucher to put towards the purchase of a Fairfax race exercise saddle.  A great idea and very useful, indeed we have used it to purchase a new saddle for one lucky staff member!  It arrived very quickly today and we look forward to using it!

Last week I was in London twice and had an enjoyable time on both occasions.  I went with Gerry Supple as guests of Mike Vince for the Sports Writers Awards on Monday and on Thursday Leanne and I went to the ROA awards.   Vieux Lion Rouge and Main Fact were nominated for the National Hunt Special Recognition Award.  Unfortunately neither were victorious on the night with Bristol De Mai coming away with the prize but it was nice to be considered and I am extremely proud of both of the horses and all their achievements.

This week with have our staff Christmas meal at our local pub on Wednesday evening.  It will be a fairly sensible affair…who am I kidding!!  My children break up from school this week and let’s just say they are getting pretty excited about Christmas, the naughty elves are causing a lot of amusement in our house!